If you’ve considered buying a 3D printer, you’ve probably also considered the cost of the 3D printer controller. While 3D printers themselves have become more accessible in terms of price, the convenience of a 3D printer-controller combo is still a major consideration. But the good news is that there are many different controllers that fit a wide range of budgets.
Here, we’ve rounded up the best 3D printer controllers to help you find the right one for your needs.
Read on to learn more.
Our Editor’s Best 3d Printer Controllers Reviews
- 1.Power is connected to the power supply, pay attention to positive and negative.
- 2.Hotbed connected to the hot bed heating line, pay attention to positive and negative.
- 3.Digital control signals can be connected to Gnd and D8 directly.
- 4.Connect the control signal from the Ramps1.4 or MKS motherboard MOS tube to Bed.
- 5.The two sets of control signals can only be connected to one group.
- 2560 control board: The board is a microcontroller board based on the 16AU .It has 54 digital input/output pins (of which 14 can be used as PWM outputs), 16 analog inputs, 4 UARTs (hardware serial ports), a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header, and a reset button. It contains everything needed to support the microcontroller; simply connect it to a computer with a USB cable or power it with a AC-to-DC adapter or battery to get started.
- RAMPS 1.4: RAMPS interfaces an for Arduino with the powerful for Arduino platform and has plenty room for expansion. The modular design includes plug in stepper drivers and extruder control electronics on an for Arduino shield for easy service, part replacement, upgrade-ability and expansion. for Additionally, a number of for Arduino expansion boards can be added to the system as long as the main RAMPS board is kept to the top of the stack.
- LCD 12864 with Controller: This full graphic Smart Controller contains a SD-Card reader, an rotary encoder and a 128 x 64 dot matrix LCD display. You can easy connect it to your Ramps board using the "smart adapter" included.
- A4988 driver module: A4988 Stepper Motor Driver Board is a breakout board for Allegro?ˉs A4988 DMOS Microstepping Driver with Translator and Overcurrent Protection; please read the A4988 datasheet carefullybefore using this product.
- Warning: Connecting or disconnecting a stepper motor while the driver is powered can destroy the driver. (More generally, rewiring anything while it is powered isasking for trouble.)
- This full graphic Smart Controller contains a SD-Card reader, an rotary encoder and a 128 x 64 dot matrix LCD display. Please note: With a SD Card base on back,SD card not included.
- You can easy connect it to your Ramps board using the "smart adapter" included.After connecting this panel to your Ramps you don't need your pc any more, the Smart Controller supplies power for your SD card.
- All actions like calibration, axes movements can be done by just using the rotary encoder on the Smart Controller.
- Print your 3D designs without PC, just with a g-code design stored on the SD card.
- LCD 12864 graphic smart display module with blue backlight, small and light appearance, suitbale for copiers, fax machines, laser printers, industrial test equipment, networking.
- This high power module is a general add-on heated bed power expansion module for 3D printer.
- Made of high quality material, it is durable and long lasting use.
- Equipped with large heatsink, the maximum electric current is above 30A.
- You can use Ramp1.4 or heatbed of MKS mainboard directly to output signal control.
- - It can be used 5-24V number signal control.
- A LCD display module with blue backlight, small and light appearance, suitbale for copiers, fax machines, laser printers, industrial test equipment, networking
- Small and light appearance, it is easy and convenient to use
- Suitable for copiers, fax machines, laser printers, industrial test equipment, networking equipment etc
- LCD control panel through which you can achieve spooling is the 3D model Gcode files are copied to the SD card, and then print the file via the LCD control panel
- This version is an upgraded version of reprap smart controller
- A4988 driver board widely used in 3D printers and small CNC machines
- Simple step and direction control interface
- Thermal protection, over-current protection, ground fault protection
- Five different step resolutions: full-step, half-step, quarter-step, eighth-step, and sixteenth-step
- Adjustable current control lets you set the maximum current output with a potentiometer, which lets you use voltages above your stepper motor’s rated voltage toachieve higher step rates
- Suitable for copiers, fax machines, laser printers, industrial test equipment, networking equipment etc
- LCD control panel through which you can achieve spooling is the 3D model Gcode files are copied to the SD card, and then print the file via the LCD control panel
- 2004 LCD smart controller for 3D printer，Supports for RAMPS 1.4 control board
- This panel connect your RAMPS 1.4. 3D design print without a computer, just use the G code design stored on the SD card, SD card intelligent controller power supply. With Smart LCD Controller you can print 3D designs without USB connection to your computer
- A LCD display module with blue backlight, small and light appearance, suitbale for copiers, fax machines, laser printers, industrial test equipment, networking
- This full graphic Smart Controller contains a SD-Card reader, an rotary encoder and a 128 x 64 dot matrix LCD display.
- LCD 12864 graphic smart display module with blue backlight, Small and light appearance, it is easy and convenient to use.
- Using a large screen 12864LCD (3.2'), it can support 8 GB.
- Print your 3D designs without PC, just with a g-code design stored on the SD card.
- Suitable for copiers, fax machines, laser printers, industrial test equipment, networking equipment etc.
- Color: Black
- Package Includes: 1 x 2004LCD control panel (not including SD card) | 1 x connector | 2 x 30cm FC cables | Only the above package content, other products are not included. | Note: Light shooting and different displays may cause the color of the item in the picture a little different from the real thing. The measurement allowed error is +/- 1-3cm.
- Origin: CN(Origin)
- Item type: Hardware Parts/Machine Parts
Best 3d Printer Controllers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best 3D printer controller you should consider following options:
1. RAM Memory: RAM memory is the fastest form of computer memory. It acts as a temporary storage location for the operating system and program files a computer uses.
For 3D printer controllers, RAM memory is used to store information while programs run. It is important that you purchase a 3D printer controller with enough RAM memory to run the programs you will use.
If you are planning to print large, complex objects, you will need a 3D printer controller with at least 1GB of RAM memory. If you are using your 3D printer controller for simpler 3D printing jobs, 512MB will be enough.
2. Flash Memory: Flash memory is a non-volatile storage medium. This means that it can store information even when the power is off.
The information stored in flash memory is used to control the printer’s functions. 3D printer controllers with more flash memory have a higher level of customization.
If you are new to 3D printing and are unsure what settings to use when printing, a 3D printer controller with a limited amount of flash memory may be best.
3. ROM Memory: ROM memory is a non-rewritable form of computer memory that holds an operating system and program instructions.
For a 3D printer controller, ROM memory is used to store the operating system. A higher amount of ROM memory allows the 3D printer controller to run more efficiently and with fewer errors.
A 3D printer controller with 512MB of ROM memory is recommended for new users. Experienced users may find that a 3D printer controller with 1GB of ROM memory is more than enough.
What else you should know about 3d printer controllers
1. What are the different types of 3D printer controllers?
There are three main types of printer controllers:
1. Stand-alone controllers: These controllers are typically dedicated to a single printer and are not connected to a network. They are typically used for lower-end printers.
2. Embedded controllers: These controllers are built into the printer itself and are used for mid-range and high-end printers.
3. Networked controllers: These controllers are connected to a network and can be used to control multiple printers.
2. What are the benefits of using a 3D printer controller?
A printer controller is a device that helps manage printing jobs and sends them to the appropriate printer. It can be used to monitor the progress of print jobs, track printer usage, and control access to printers.
3. What are the features of a 3D printer controller?
Some features of a printer controller may include:
-The ability to connect to and control multiple printers simultaneously
-A user-friendly interface for managing print jobs
-Support for a variety of printing technologies (e.g., inkjet, laser, thermal, etc.)
-Advanced features for managing color printing, paper size and orientation, and other print job settings
4. How does a 3D printer controller work?
A printer controller is a device that connects a printer to a computer. It allows the computer to send data to the printer and receive data from the printer.
5. What are the limitations of a 3D printer controller?
Some printer controllers only work with specific types of printers, so if you change printers you may need to also change the controller. Printers also require specific types and amounts of ink or toner, which the controller may not be able to accommodate.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best 3d printer controllers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best 3d printer controllers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.